Published in Scientific Papers. Series "Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and rural development", Vol. 25 ISSUE 3
Written by Iryna BIDNYNA, Raisa VOZHEHOVA, Liudmyla HRANOVSKA, Pavlo LYKHOVYD, Pavlo PYSARENKO, Valerii KOZYRIEV

Irrigation is essential for food security, but freshwater scarcity necessitates using mineralized water, which can degrade soil quality. This study analyzed the long-term effects of irrigating dark-chestnut soil in southern Ukraine with mineralized water from the Ingulets system and the economic impact. A stationary field experiment (1971–2020) assessed soil quality (cations, salts, sodicity) and water properties. Statistical analysis (Mann-Kendall, Sen's slope, ANOVA, regression, correlation) in Python 3 showed that Ingulets water (Class II, high mineralization) remained unsuitable for irrigation. Over time, irrigation increased sodification, toxic salts, and sodium while reducing calcium, harming soil structure and fertility. Fertilizers mitigated salinization in deeper layers and improved cation content. Economically, irrigation increased wheat yield by 0.82–1.66 t/ha, with pure additional profit of $206–$403/ha after deducting amelioration and fertilization costs. Despite soil risks, irrigation with mineralized water is economically viable in semi-arid regions, especially when combined with fertilizers and land reclamation practices.

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